What to expect from counselling

When you call or visit Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS), you can expect a professional, responsive, and respectful service. Our counsellors are experienced clinical or counselling psychologists and mental health social workers.

Our counsellors

As a service, we value diversity and recognise that our clients come from diverse backgrounds including gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity, spiritual beliefs, age, relationship status, socioeconomic status, geographical location, health or disability status, and educational experiences.

If you would feel more comfortable speaking with a male or female counsellor, or have particular preferences in your choice of counsellor, check out our staff page for more details. We will endeavour to place you with someone of your choice, although this may not always be possible.

It is important to know that all our counsellors are committed to respecting individual or group differences, and are experienced in working with a variety of people and presenting issues. Your counsellor may ask about how issues of diversity may be impacting your life and wellbeing in order to better understand you and your concerns.

What are counselling appointments like?

All counselling appointments are up to 50 minutes.

Initial appointment

Getting support at CAPS begins with an initial appointment. These can be booked on the day, or the next day.

You will be asked to arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment to complete a consent form and health and wellbeing questionnaires. Please be on time. This will allow you to get the most out of your initial session. If you arrive late, you may be asked to reschedule.

Your first session with your counsellor will typically focus on identifying the main reason(s) why you are seeking counselling, address any immediate concerns, and learn more about your support needs. Your counsellor will likely ask you questions that will help inform the most helpful next steps.

Next steps

Some people find that the initial session is sufficient for their current needs. For others, at the end of your initial appointment, you may be:

  • Recommended self-help resources including webinars on demand, tip sheets, websites, online programs, apps, or guided exercises
  • Referred to a CAPS group counselling program
  • Scheduled for a return appointment for short-term counselling at CAPS
  • Connected with other University supports (e.g., University Health Service, Campus Community, Student Equity and Disability Services, Safer Community Program, UMSU, GSA, etc.)
  • Referred to a health professional or specialist service outside the university that may better suit your needs.

Return appointments

Following an initial session, some people may schedule return appointments with their counsellor to continue short-term counselling.

Please arrive on time for your return appointment. Arriving on time will allow you to get the most out of your session. If you arrive late, you may be asked to reschedule.

About short-term counselling

Every counsellor has their own individual style and different training experiences. Just as every person that comes to counselling is unique, no two counselling sessions are ever exactly the same. However, you can expect that:

  • You will have the opportunity to share your story, talk about the issues and concerns that have brought you to CAPS, and what you hope to gain from counselling
  • Your counsellor may conduct an assessment of any mental health symptoms, or ask you questions about your personal and psychological history
  • You and your counsellor will collaborate together on a set of goals to improve your wellbeing.

Short-term counselling typically focuses on your immediate needs, and working towards goals you and your counsellor have both agreed on. Sessions can involve:

  • Discussing issues or concerns currently affecting you
  • Learning new ways to problem-solve
  • Improving your coping skills
  • Building on your strengths
  • Regularly reviewing progress toward your goals.

How many counselling sessions will I have?

Your counsellor will work with you to determine the number and frequency of sessions you have together depending on your situation. CAPS primarily offers short-term counselling.

Many students benefit from just one or two sessions of counselling, with the majority of students seen for four sessions or fewer. A small number of students may require up to six sessions.

Typically, appointments cannot be provided on a weekly basis. It's helpful to have appointments spaced apart to allow you to practise new strategies or ways of coping. Your counsellor can work with you on helpful ways to manage in between sessions.

Some students may need longer term treatment or more specialist assistance than can be provided at CAPS. In this situation, counsellors can help to connect you with a suitable private or community-based service provider.

Your privacy and confidentiality

We keep what you share with us private and confidential within CAPS.

In limited situations, we may need to share information (for example, if there is a serious risk to safety, if required by law, or with your consent).

Learn more in our Privacy Policy and Consent Form (PDF 103.8 KB).

Requests for documentation

Students sometimes need documentation (for example, a Health Professional Report or support letter) for special consideration, ongoing support (SEDS), subject withdrawal, fee remission, or other university processes.

CAPS may not be able to provide documentation in all cases. This can include situations where the request is outside the scope of our service or the types of documentation we can provide.

To complete documentation, we need a clear and recent understanding of your situation. If you have not seen CAPS before, or have not had recent or regular appointments, it is unlikely we can provide documentation.

In most cases, it's best to contact a health professional who already knows you and your circumstances (for example, your GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist). Documentation is usually strongest when it comes from someone you have been seeing over time.

There are also different types of supporting documents that may be accepted, depending on your situation (for example, a GP letter, Centrelink documents, death notice, police or court reports, Safer Community documents, official letter from a relevant organisation, or a statutory declaration).

If you need a short extension, your faculty may be able to grant up to 10 business days without a formal special consideration application, as long as you apply before the due date.

For more details, see the University's guidance on special consideration and ongoing support (SEDS).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

  • For medico-legal reasons, CAPS can only offer services to people located in Australia at the time of your appointment. If you are not in Australia, you can explore support on studying remotely.

  • Our service is available to students who are currently enrolled.

    We are unable to provide services to students who are on a prolonged leave of absence (i.e., 3 months or more), suspended, or terminated.

    If you have completed your course (i.e., completed all assessment requirements and results are finalized), we encourage you to speak to a GP (doctor) for a referral to a mental health practitioner for ongoing support.

    If your concern is related to an academic or study issue, you can speak with Stop 1. Stop 1 provide practical support for students in areas such as student administration, course planning, enrolment, assisting with accommodation, financial support, and navigating university systems.

  • It is generally not recommended to see two therapists at the same time, as potential differences in therapist style or approach can inadvertently lead to confusion or disrupt the therapeutic process.

    We strongly recommend that you continue getting support from your existing treating practitioner(s). Working consistently with one therapist at a time is generally more beneficial for continuity, trust, and progress towards therapy goals. If you are facing challenges at university or study, it is important to make your existing treating practitioner(s) aware of this so they can offer more support. You can also access our webinars on demand to learn strategies to enhance your study and learning experience.

    If you would still like to book a CAPS appointment, this will likely be a one-off session to focus on a specific issue and assist you with re-engaging with your existing treating practitioner(s).

  • CAPS do not offer formal assessment and diagnosis for Autism or ADHD.

    The University Health Service has a helpful resource for information and support for ADHD diagnosis and treatments.

    We encourage you to contact a GP (doctor) to discuss a referral to a psychiatrist and/or psychologist with expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism or ADHD.

    You can also use the Find a Psychologist or Find a Psychiatrist service to find a practitioner.

    In the meantime, you can also explore more about what neurodivergence is and learn tips and strategies to effectively navigate university as a neurodivergent student through our neurodivergent webinar series and programs.